Another major cause of falls in the elderly is postural hypotension. Postural hypotension is a sudden decrease in blood pressure when there is a change in position, for example, when going from lying to sitting and or standing. When this occurs with the elderly in an upright position, the person will likely fall. Usually when asking the person about how he or she falls, they will say they feel dizzy or lightheaded prior to finding themselves on the floor.
Causes of Postural Hypotension
Postural hypotension can be caused by high blood pressure, certain neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, dehydration, which could be from diarrhea or vomitting or simply not drinking enough water, prolonged bed rest, anemia (low hemoglobin), heart problems e.g problem with the rate and rhythm of the heart, heart valve disease e.t.c, and, Certain medications such as antidepressants and diuretics (water pills), alcoholism e.t.c
Symptoms of Postural Hypotension
The symptoms associated with postural hypotension include: feeling faint or dizzy, feeling vague or muddled, falls, pressure across the shoulder or back (upper back mostly), shortness of breath, headache, blurry or tunnel vision, nausea, weakness or fatigue e.t.c
These symptoms can occur after a large meal, changing position especially from lying to sitting or standing, when panicky, when straining on the toilet, early in the morning e.t.c
How to deal with Postural Hypotension
The first thing to do if any of the symptoms of postural hypotension exists is to discuss symptoms with a healthcare provider.
Tips to help deal with postural hypotension include: avoiding getting up if you feel dizzy, staying hydrated (drink at least 6- 8 cups of water/day). Getting up gently from lying or sitting, gently pumping your feet up and down (up to twenty times before getting up and clench and unclench your hands and march on a spot briefly when standing before you move), having something to hang on to when standing, avoiding taking very hot showers or baths, elevating your head using extra pillows (don’t sleep flat), asking for a review of your medications e.t.c
Work with your healthcare provider to find the root cause of your postural hypotension as this will help to find a lasting solution to the problem.
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